seas in command of a contingent in connection with Queen Victoria's
Diamond Jubilee. He afterwards discharged a similar duty on the occasion of
King George's coronation. In 1909 His Majesty conferred upon him the Order of
C.M.G.

Shortly after his taking
office as Commissioner, His Majesty King Edward VII bestowed upon the force the
title Royal North-west Mounted Police, in recognition of their services
throughout the empire, more particularly in South
Africa.

On the outbreak of the South
African War, in 1899, numerous ex-members of the force were found in the first
Canadian contingent sent to the scene of action.On the organization of the second corps of
Canadian Mounted Rifles, leave of absence was granted to many officers and men
who joined this contingent. Engaged under Colonel Steele, of the Strathcona
Horse, were thirty or more members and ex-members of the northwest Mounted
Police. For conspicuous bravery in South Africa,
Sergeant A. H. Richardson was awarded the Victoria Cross. Colonel Steele was
presented with the Victorian Order, and the C.B.; Majors Belcher and Jarvis,
the C.M.G.; Captains Sanders, Mackie and Cartwright and Lieutenants Christie
and Leckie, the D.S.O. Many non-commissioned officers and men were granted the
medal for distinguished conduct on the field.

On the attainment of
Provincial standing, and pending the organization of a Provincial Police Force,
the Saskatchewan Government, in 1905, negotiated with the Federal authorities
for the services of, the Mounted Police at a cost of $75,000 per annum. This
arrangement was terminated in 1916, the Province in the meantime having built
up a Provincial force.

When, in 1914, the whole world
was plunged into the great European war, a desire was manifested among all
ranks in the Royal North-west Mounted Police to find a place in the fighting
line. Prompt release was given to the British Reservists, fifty-five in number,